By Isabel de Vugt | Project Leader
Days at the S4S Rehab Training Centre and office are always busy and sometimes develop slightly chaotically. This day is not different. We spent the morning having one meeting after the other. As we are about to round up our staff meeting there is an unexpected visit from a mother and her child. They are new to S4S and have been referred by a nurse from a clinic where we conduct disability awareness campaigns. These campaigns are important as many parents ignore or do not realise that their child is developing differently. They might not know what symptoms to look for, they might be ashamed or they might be in a state of denial. As a result they seek medical attention late, sometimes years later. It is those crucial early years in a child’s life that medical attention is important and can make a massive difference in how the disability of the child develops over time.
Our awareness campaigns are starting to have their impact. Nurses and people attending the clinics are referring caregivers and children to us. In this case it is Mitchel and her mother Tinashe. Rumbi, our Rehabilitation Technician (RT), assesses Mitchel and conducts an intake. This is done with all children and their families who join S4S. We assess the disability, collect information about their education, general health, family situation and living conditions. Families get explained what they can expect from S4S and what we expect from them. Afterwards, a rehabilitation plan is developed for the child. This always includes strong involvement from the direct caregiver and family.
Whilst Rumbi is busy with the assessment, a few other caregivers and their children drop by the centre. They have been called to collect their assistive devices; wheelchairs and corner seats. There are two children for their new wheelchairs; Vimbai and Keith. It’s a good opportunity to talk with them, whilst we wait for Rumbi to finish the assessment. When Tsitsi, Vimbai’s mother, tells her story it feels especially touching. Vimbai has Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as ‘brittle bone disease’. She cannot stand or walk. Tsitsi tells us: "Vimbai has had over 50 fractures in her lifetime. She is only 8 years old. Her last fracture happened just a few weeks ago." And indeed Vimbai is still wearing a cast. Tsitsi continues: "I am happy with the wheelchair because now I do not have to carry Vimbai on my back anymore. Sometimes when I put Vimbai on my back she would break a bone. It will make a big difference in our lives."
Occassionally Vimbai comes to the rehab training centre with her mother. Rumbi does light stretching exercises with Vimbai. Often Vimbai also does some drawings and games. For Tsitsi this is a time to discuss her challenges and her fears with Rumbi during a counseling session. Tsitsi: "For me it is important to be able to speak with Rumbi about my problems. It is not easy taking care of Vimbai. But Rumbi helps me with practical advise."
Between March and May 2015 we have been able to assist 29 children and caregivers with rehabilitation. The month of April has been a holiday month in Zimbabwe with few rehabilitation activities taking place. In this same period 23 children have been assisted with medication (10), wheelchairs (5) and other assistive devices (8).
82 Disabled children took part in the community adapted physical activities.
We would like to note that giving handouts to people is not what we stand for. But, providing appropriate and correctly measured assistive devices to the child’s individual needs, such as wheelchairs, can make a huge difference in the live of a disabled child and their families. It could mean the difference between being housebound and being able to attend school.
It is clear that the two mothers leave the centre happy, pushing their children back home in their wheelchairs. Difficult stories we hear, and we realise these are just two of them. But, we don’t have much time to think and talk about it. We can quickly eat a sandwich and jump in the car. It’s time for home visits.
Warm regards,
Isabel, Founder S4S
By Isabel de Vugt | Project Leader
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